I hear it so often on Public Radio, and it confuses me. This phrase is so pervasive in radio, or at least public radio. Where did it originate? I would love to hear why it is used so often, and where I am wrong in cringing when I hear it.

It seems as though "I can't comment on that", or "I agree/disagree with that" would suffice. What does it mean to "speak to" something, grammatically?

Great list! The words pang, whet, sleight, bate, and tack are likely to make even an English major twitch.

Words are wonderful, use them wisely. (I fail quite often, but I love learning)